Friday, March 29, 2019

Michael 'Storm Boy' Kingley (Geoffrey Rush) has grown up to be a successful retired businessman and grandfather. When Kingley starts to see images from his past that he can't explain, he is forced to remember his long-forgotten childhood, growing up on an isolated coastline with his father (Jai Courtney). He recounts to his granddaughter the story of how, as a boy (Finn Little), he rescued and raised an extraordinary orphaned pelican, Mr.Percival. Their remarkable adventures and very special bond has a profound effect on all their lives. Based on the beloved book, Storm Boy is a timeless story of an unusual and unconditional friendship.

If you read my blog, you probably know that I voluntarily admitted myself to the hospital Psych Unit a couple weeks ago. I talked about it in Part 1 and Part 2. And here were are at Part 3.

I know states and hospitals vary with rules and regulations but I'm sure some are the same. Here's a few for where I stayed (including personal advice):

No cameras - Hence, my reason for no personal pics. Understandable.

No cell phones - Again, probably for the same reason.

No makeup or hair products - This one was hard for me. I'm okay with not doing my hair but I rarely go a day without makeup. I have Rosacea, causing bright red spots on my face. With no makeup, I looked like I was in there for a contagious disease.

Throw away your plastic eating utensils - For every meal, we were given a plastic spoon and fork. No knife. They were made from the flimsiest plastic known to man. We tore apart our food with our fingers, like savages. When we were done eating, the Psych Techs had to physically watch us as we threw away our utensils. You better believe no one was getting away with taking them to the rooms!

15 Minute Checks - We were checked on every 15 minutes, 24 hours a day. Hearing your door open during the night every 15 minutes while you're trying to sleep is a little unnerving. On the plus side, you didn't have to press a call button and wait forever for someone to arrive when you wanted something.

Laundry - Blue paper scrubs are provided upon admittance. Personal clothing can be brought in but they have to be inspected and laundered first.

A patient who was in there for an alcoholism relapse had this to say:
"I'm allergic to alcohol. Every time I drink, my wrists break out in handcuffs."
The nurses didn't find it near as funny as I did.

Go to groups - I failed at this the first two days. You better believe it's marked against you every time you don't attend a group, therapy, or session. Which means you may have to stay in there even longer.

Don't go in patient rooms - I was blessed to have a private room during my stay. The beds weren't regular hospital beds. They had an open square layout with a mattress just a little thicker than those of prison. One day, I went into another female's room and chit-chatted before being told that was a big no-no. I didn't think it was a big deal since some patients had to share a room with someone else. Learned it was, indeed, a big deal.

Don't put stuff on top of bathroom door - This is for security purposes. If you hang a towel, clothing, noose, or whatever on top of the door you bet your sweet ass everyone will know. A piercing wail from an alarm will go off anytime someone tries. I know; Someone tried.

Visitors will go through a process before entrance. - Visiting hours during weekdays were 5:30pm to 7 pm. Weekends were a little longer, from 1pm to 5 pm. When a visitor comes, they have to be wanded down to make sure they're not bringing in contraband. They cannot wear coats or bring cell phones. They also have to sign in and out, and be walked in and out by a Psych Tech. Patient room doors have to be open at all times that a visitor is in there.

Menus - On my first couple days, I had the House Menu. That's the one that shows what patients will be fed for the day. Ask for the alternate menu. That's the one where you have several more choices to choose from like cheeseburgers, chicken quesadillas, and pizzas. With the exception of the horribly nasty soggy pasta, the food wasn't bad.

FOID card - I don't have any guns registered to my name, but do own a FOID card. Or, at least I did. The state took no time at all in revoking my FOID card due to being in a mental institution. I get where they're coming from but will probably put in an appeal. I made no remarks of harming myself or anyone else. I just wanted to die.

No TVs in rooms - If you want to slay your day away with the boob tube, you have to get your butt on into the Day Room and watch it there. Keep the shows rated PG-13.

10 Minute Phone Calls - There were two prison-type phones on the hallway wall. We could accept and make calls as long as it wasn't during Group Time. They had to be kept at a 10-minute minimum.

Keep up with followup - Staying in a Psych Unit during a downtime (mostly the weekend) wasn't super helpful but it did give me time to reflect and get myself somewhat back on track. Don't be embarrassed or ashamed if it's something you need to do or something you have done. Mental health is just as important as physical health. But, a large part of the healing process requires personal effort. It's up to you to followup with doctors, psychiatrists, and counselors who can continue to help you heal.

If a mummy could talk, what would it say? Of course, mummies can't talk. But with modern scientific tools, we can still discover what a mummy has to tell us. Read the stories of mummified Egyptian pharaohs and priestesses, baby elephants, pampered pets, and even a prehistoric bison. Uncover clues to centuries-old murder mysteries and human sacrifices, and even find out what a person or animal had for their last meal! Information from real scientists explains how we know what we know about each mummy. So, what do these mummies have to say? Lots, it turns out!

My Review:

The process of mummification fascinates me, especially in regards to Egyptian times. Some mummies are formed by nature and others are preserved because people made sure the body would be protected. Both forms are discussed in If A Mummy Could Talk...

The pictures in this book are colored illustrations, but the stories about each mummy featured are true. It talks about Otzi, the Ice Man and Vladimir Lentin, among other people and animals. Because mummification occurs after death, there is talk of the afterlife and other suggestive material. If your child is old enough to be okay with that kind of talk, this book is a good resource of entertaining information. Although this book is geared towards kids ages 4-9, I found it interesting to read myself. I learned that King Tut had many health problems and his parents were probably related!

In the "For Creative Minds" section at the back of the book, there's information on the tools paleontologists and archaeologists use to study artifacts. There's also a Mummy Map quiz for children to match the mummy to the area it was found. Even more, there's information on the different ways to make a mummy, a Mummy Sequencing exercise, and a Natural or Not? exercise.

If A Mummy Could Talk... is a Spring 2019 release from Arbordale Publishing.

I received book for review from Arbordale Publishing. The opinions within this post are of my own and I was not influenced in any way. Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services. Your opinions and results may differ.a Rafflecopter giveaway

It wasn't until early last year that I started using hydrating mist on my face. A younger co-worker introduced me to it, and I realized how beneficial it is. I have dry skin anyway, so hydrating mist helps alleviate that dryness.

Recently I've been using Glow Refresh Hydrating Mist from Lumene. It helps to hydrate the complexion and contains radiance-enhancing Nordic-C complex with antioxidant-rich wild Arctic cloudberry and vitamin C, along with pure Arctic spring water for an instant hit of hydration.

After reading the list of ingredients in this product, I had to Google the definition of a cloudberry. For those not in the know, cloudberries are rich in Vitamin C and other beneficial acids. (You can thank me when you're asked that on Jeopardy!)

Glow Refresh Hydrating Mist is to be used to add extra hydration before face cream, or over makeup to freshen up on-the-go. I actually apply it before putting on makeup. It comes out as a very fine mist with a flowery scent. It keeps my skin dewy and adds extra intake of hydration.

I received product for review from Lumene. The opinions within this post are of my own and I was not influenced in any way. Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services. Your opinions and results may differ.

Thursday, March 28, 2019

Minted is a company known for unique art, stationery and home decor. Minted is celebrating eleven years of independent design with 15% off sitewide! The Anniversary Event is one you won’t want to miss - even fine art prints are included. In addition, Minted is also offering 25% off save the dates during the event. Use promo code ELEVEN at checkout. Offer is available through Monday, April 1st.

This post contains affiliate links. Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services. Your opinions and results may differ.

How Do You See the World? from Authentic Agility Games is an engaging card game that encourages people to go beyond their comfort zone while truly learning how others view the world by asking important questions. The game includes one dice that will select one of the following five categories: Reflections, Relationships, Aspirations, Life’s Purpose and Beliefs. Players then pull the associated card, read the question from the associated category and discussion follows. With variations of game rules and suggestions available, this game can be played around the family dinner

table, with longtime companions or with your newest neighbor. A portion of the proceeds from all Authentic Agility Games will support educational and entrepreneurial organizations that are changing the world. Available on Amazon.com, Teen and up, $24.99

My Review:

Although I'm okay with today's fast-paced world, I still want to have real and authentic moments with my family and friends. I actually want to know their thoughts and views on life, and it's always appreciated when they listen to mine.

How Do You See The World? is less than an actual card game and more of a conversation starter. It contains over 500 questions printed on premium playing cards (thick with gloss finish), foam dice, and a keepsake box.

The rules of the game are simple:

Roll the dice.

Draw a card.

Match the symbol with a category.

Each player takes a turn answering the card questions.

Allow one minute for each person to think, reflect and answer.

There are five categories within the cards and the one that the person answers is the one that matches the symbol that the dice has landed on.

The 5 categories are:

Reflections

Relationships

Aspirations

Life's Purpose

Beliefs

An example of some of the questions are:

How do you connect best with others?

Name five of your favorite things.

Who or what has shaped your beliefs the most?

What is your favorite song, and why?

How much money is enough?

I've played How Do You See The World? a few times now. Once was on a long road trip with my 25 yoa daughter and 19 yoa son. Another time was with my Small Group. We all learned a lot about each other, and we were required to use thought process. I also found this game to be a good way to self-reflect. By visiting the website, players can find other ways to play this game or even how to keep score. I like the game as it is, so I haven't altered play.

I received product for review. The opinions within this post are of my own and I was not influenced in any way. Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services. Your opinions and results may differ.a Rafflecopter giveaway

I believe in a God that hears prayers and answers them. I've witnessed the miraculous gift of answered prayer. And, I want to pray for you. I've started weekly Power of Prayer post every Thursday. We are now on week 165. If you are needing prayer in an area of your life, please leave a comment and I'll commit to pray for your need or request. You can be as general or as specific as you like. Whether it be for healing, salvation, finances, emotions, or another area of life, I'd like to lift it up in prayer.

Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world.–James 4:8

Wednesday, March 27, 2019

A fast-rising Hollywood starlet learns that people are more important than possessions in PawParazzi, available now DVD, Digital, and On Demand from Lionsgate. The cushy life of Latte the Hollywood dog is turned upside down when her owner, superstar actress London Bridges, heads to the boonies to make a new film.

Winner of the Dove Seal of Approval for all ages, and starring Sara Fletcher, with Kristy Swanson as the voice of Latte, and Primetime Emmy® nominee Jay Mohr (2004, Outstanding Reality-Competition Program, “Last Comic Standing”), PawParazzi will be available on DVD with special features including the “Hot Off the Press with PawParazzi” featurette for the suggested retail price of $14.98.

The cushy Hollywood life of Latte the dog is turned upside down when her owner, superstar actress London Bridges, heads to the boonies to make a new film. The pampered pooch tries to stop thieves from stealing London’s diamond necklace from a farmhouse, but they escape with the jewels. With the help of hunky farmer Tom, can London track down the priceless stones before a scandal breaks out? This wild family adventure also stars Jay Mohr.

Michael 'Storm Boy' Kingley (Geoffrey Rush) has grown up to be a successful retired businessman and grandfather. When Kingley starts to see images from his past that he can't explain, he is forced to remember his long-forgotten childhood, growing up on an isolated coastline with his father (Jai Courtney). He recounts to his granddaughter the story of how, as a boy (Finn Little), he rescued and raised an extraordinary orphaned pelican, Mr.Percival. Their remarkable adventures and very special bond has a profound effect on all their lives. Based on the beloved book, Storm Boy is a timeless story of an unusual and unconditional friendship.

Late last week I had the opportunity to visit the states of Virginia and Tennessee for the first time. It's about a 12-hour trip from where I live, and it's where my son now lives. Shelby and I accompanied him to get him settled in.

We spent more time driving than anything but were able to drive up one of the mountains on the Tennessee side and marvel at the beauty of nature.

I love the sound of rushing water. It's my kind of calm.

sign where both states meet

We also checked out the shops that line the streets that divide Virginia and Tennessee. One one side of the street is the state of VA. On the other side is TN.

posing with a sculpture on the TN side

I won't be able to go back very often but plan on making a couple more trips this year to visit the states that my son now calls home.

Tuesday, March 26, 2019

Noses come in all kinds of shapes and sizes that are just right for its particular animal host. Not only do most animals use their noses to breathe but for many animals, the sense of smell helps them find food, a mate, or even to know when danger is near! Following Animal Tails, Animal Eyes, Animal Mouths (NSTA/CBC Outstanding Trade Science Award), and Animal Legs, Mary Holland continues her photographic Animal Anatomy and Adaptations series by exploring many different animal noses and how those noses help the animals survive in their habitats.

My Review:

Did you know that moles use the 22 little feelers on the tip of their nose to find earthworms and other food to eat? Or that deer can smell so well because they keep their noses wet by licking them? Readers will learn all this and more in Animal Noses. With beautiful realistic pictures of different animal species, this book shows the way many animals use their noses. It's interesting and educational.

The 'For Creative Minds' section in the back of the book gives readers the chance to match animals with their noses, and learn the different reason uses that animals might use their noses. This section also explains the sense of smell, and answers some questions about animal noses.

I received book for review from Arbordale Publishing. The opinions within this post are of my own and I was not influenced in any way. Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services. Your opinions and results may differ.a Rafflecopter giveaway

Yep, you read it right. I did time in a psych unit. Four days and three nights. Wasn't my first rodeo but hoping it's my last. You can read about the beginning of how it started in Part 1.

Once I was admitted into the psych unit part of the hospital in the wee hours of a Friday morning, a doctor came by to assess me. I bawled and cried and bawled some more. Then I slept until a nurse came in to send me to a "more normal" area of the wing. Other than meal times, I stayed in my room and slept. I felt drained of all energy. Visiting hours on weekdays are 5:30pm to 7pm. My husband and daughter came to visit. Jason was a ball of nerves, just wanting me to be home with him. Clothes they brought for me to wear had to be laundered first so I wore blue scrubs all day and night.

Saturday was a whole lot of sleeping too. I just couldn't find it in me to pull myself together. Visiting hours were extended since it was the weekend, so Shelby and Jason came to visit from 1 to 5 pm. We played a lot of UNO. I made it to Group later that night but it was a movie I had no interest in, so I went back to my room and slept some more.

It wasn't until Sunday that I was able to feel halfway normal again. I attended in-house church service and played a game with some of the other patients. We also watched the movie, Liar Liar (the Jim Carey comedy) and did a group therapy on values. It was during those times that I started talking to the other admits and psych techs. I made it a point not to get to know anyone on a personal level but did get a little backstory on some of the peeps. There were 10 of us total, all with unique stories that tied us together in the same situation. Wildly enough, one of the Psych Techs is a gal who I've known for several years and even worked with at one point. It was super weird at first but I knew it was her obligation to keep her trap shut so I didn't ask for her to be transferred (which she said I could do).

Jason visited again on Sunday. He was 'bout to go bat shit crazy, not understanding what exactly was going on or why there were so many rules and procedures to follow. He held it together like a champ the best he could. I kept myself busy during the night with sleep (imagine that!) and word search puzzles.

Because it was the weekend, regularly structured groups and therapies were put on hold. A female therapist did stop in at one point to talk. I liked her style. My regular anti-depressant (Effexor) was given on a daily, along with the addition of Visteral (anti-anxiety) and Trazadone (put your ass to sleep).

I was ready to go home but was told I had to ask the doctor on Monday. My chances were slim. Although I was voluntarily admitted, they could technically hold me for up to five business days. Saturdays and Sundays don't count!

Monday rolled around and the doctor came in early. After requesting to go home, he asked a ton of questions and decided I was ready. I had to meet with a Discharge Coordinator who ensured I had counseling and doctor appointments scheduled. I also had to discuss Safety Plans and Support Groups. Jason picked me up and we headed home. Now here I am, back in the real world.

my "hot mess" face

I can't say being in the Psych Unit was a huge help. Going in on a weekend doesn't do much good. But I was able to do some soul-searching and make appointments for professionals who can help me through this thing called life.

At some point, I will post a Part 3. I know states and hospitals are different but I thought you might be interested in knowing the general rules and regulations of being a patient in a Psych Unit. For instance, it was mandatory that all patients be checked on every 15 minutes. My whereabouts were known at all times, and I was watched like a hawk.

Disclaimer: If you're someone I personally know who is here to get the down-low, I'd appreciate no judgment. I've run my course of self-embarrassment and shame. I refuse to let this define me. And I refuse to allow someone to define me by this experience.

Savings.com is giving away ten $50 Journeys gift cards to help bring awareness to all the great spring shoes available on Journeys.com. #JourneysForSpring Giveaway ends on Friday, March 29th at 11:59 PM ET. The winners will be chosen through a lottery drawing and notified on Monday (4/1) via the email address they used to enter.

Journeys is a footwear retailer for teens and young adults. Click this link to get $5 discount on orders over $25 with Journeys email sign up.

This post contains affiliate links. Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services. Your opinions and results may differ.

Thursday, March 21, 2019

Spices, seasonings and sauces are used quite often when Jason and I cook. I think it's because we like to add a variety of flavors to our food. For example, pork chops can be enjoyed in a variety of ways if you dress them up with different tastes and flavor textures. Pereg, the leading purveyor of all-natural exotic spices, has shaken up the standard salt and pepper routine with its new Everything But The Bagel Spice Mix.

What's great about this spice mix is that it can be sprinkled on just about any food. It’s fresh, 100% natural, gluten-free, vegan, and OU and CRC kosher-certified, with no MSG, additives or preservatives. A 5.3 oz jar retails for $5.50.

I love that I'm able to recognize all the ingredients. This spice mix is made up of Garlic, Onion, Black Sesame Seeds, White Sesame Seeds, Poppy Seeds, and Salt. It's an optimal merge of flavors. We've been using this spice mix quite frequently. It's become a "go-to" when we want both flavor and texture. There's a dual flip-top lid, with one side having little holes for just a small amount of the spice mix to be poured out and the other side having larger holes for more. Vegetables, meats, breads, and other foods have an even more delicious flavor with Everything But The Bagel Spice Mix.

I received product for review. The opinions within this post are of my own and I was not influenced in any way. Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services. Your opinions and results may differ.a Rafflecopter giveaway

“Don't blame your challenge but get up and look it as a bridge to your success.”

― Bruce Mbanzabugabo

My life hasn't made much sense lately so it's likely this post won't either. I'm not going to take the time to make everything cohesive. It's a story of my recent journey into depression.

I'm not doing this for any pity or self-gratitude. This is a part of my life and my blog is where I document my life.

First of all, depression isn't new to me. I was diagnosed with it several years ago. Staying in the psych unit isn't new to me either. Seventeen years ago, I was in there for three weeks. Turned 25 years old in there. Um, happy birthday, I think. After about a year of being on meds, I weaned myself off and did quite well.

Then my world was turned upside down when my mom died almost three years ago. I'm not a stranger to death, but I was a stranger to losing my best friend. My confidante. That set me into a spiral of anger and hatred towards anyone and everyone, except God. A good friend and supervisor noticed the change in my behavior and walked with me to get the help I needed, through a doctor. And again, things were going good.

I can't necessarily pinpoint why I spiraled out of control again. My life is pretty darn good. I have a strong support system. I think it's a culmination of little things. The fact that my mother's death date anniversary is coming up (April 13). The fact that my son is moving 11 hours away. The fact that I'm having a spiritual battle telling me I'm not good enough to be a pastor's wife. Who knows.

All I know is that last Friday morning, in the very wee hours of the morning, I was done with it all. DONE. I didn't want to kill myself (my faith is too strong for that) and I didn't want to harm anyone else. But, damn it, I wanted to die. I REALLY wanted to die. The urge was a strong current in my mind and I was spiraling down a rabbit hole.

I lost my shit and called my work for someone to come pick me up and take me to the hospital. (I work as a 9-1-1 Dispatcher. When I called, I gave no cares if they'd judge me or not.) An officer ended up responding and took me to the hospital for admittance. It was while I was walking in that the officer asked if I knew I was wearing two different shoes. Nope, sure didn't! It was a dress shoe on the left and an athletic shoe on the right. I also didn't know how I got a black eye. Or how I caused bruising on my left shoulder. Or how I cut open my left knee. Still don't know.

As soon as I was sequestered in the hospital, I was stripped of most rights. I voluntarily admitted myself but they were in charge from then on. For my one phone call, I got a hold of my oldest daughter. She and her husband came immediately after. According to them, I was a blubbering mess. I barely remember what all was asked of me or done to me.

Here's the real kicker, people: My husband had no idea! He was in bed asleep. He didn't know until my daughter text to tell where I was. And, even with that information, he wasn't allowed to visit or make contact at that time. Looking back, that's my biggest regret. He would have willingly listened to me and dealt with me. He would have supported me and helped me through it all. But I didn't want to be a "burden". (Rather, I burdened him by blindsiding him.)

Since this post has went on long enough, I will create another in a few days to talk about my experience as an inpatient for Behavioral Medical Services. Stay tuned for Part 2....

*Disclaimer: If you're someone I personally know who is here to get the down-low, it better be nothing but support that I receive. I've run my course of self-embarrassment and shame. I refuse to let this define me. And I refuse to allow someone to define me by this experience*

CableTV.com wants to pay you to partake in a Marvel movie marathon! The team is looking to pay one comic-loving couch potato $1,000 to watch all 20 Marvel films back-to-back before the Avengers: End Game's big debut on April 26th. Application are open now, and the most qualified candidate will be selected to take on this nerdy dream job next month.

Who: CableTV.com is a professional television provider comparison + informative tech "how-to" website.

Why: The goal is to hire a Marvel-crazed fan who can help generate excitement over the releases of the new Marvel movies this year, as well as give new perspectives and opinions on the series, thus far, with their comic insights and expertise.

What: They're hiring a professional Marvel nerd to watch all 20 Marvel Cinematic Universe films for $1,000. This means you can make some fast, fun cash while hangin' on your couch rewatching your favorite series (and taking some notes along the way). For the candidate selected for this role, they'll be sending a care package with every Marvel Cinematic Universe film on Blu-Ray along with an array of other fun Marvel-themed gear.

Closing date for entry is April 15, 2019.

I received no compensation for this post. Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services. Your opinions and results may differ.

ME

The Short of It

PR Welcome

If you'd like me to try out your product or sponsor a giveaway, please don't be shy. I'd be honored to team up and have some fun! E-mail me at partymix25(at)hotmail(dot)com.I am interested in reviewing your products and/or hosting a giveaway. I require a sample product for all reviews. Sample products will not be returned and you will be responsible for all shipping costs.Please allow up to 2 weeks for your review to be completed. I will send you an e-mail when the products arrives and again with the link once the review is posted on my blog. Thanks!

FTC Disclosure

I receive products for review from companies so I can try them and give my full, honest opinion. The opinions within the post are of my own and I am not influenced in any way.
It is the reader's responsibility to research all facts regarding a product.
At times I write a sponsored post and that fact is included in the post. As well, I include the fact that I have received a product for review.